There’s so much planning that goes into hotel interiors, but public outdoor spaces are coveted by guests and therefore, are an essential part of the design process. Throughout my career, I have designed rooftops and patio spaces, so to kick off summer, I thought I’d share some of the facets to consider when creating these communal environments.
Something About Floors
Depending on where your hotel exterior space is located — the rooftop bar, pool or in the lobby — you will need flooring that is impervious to all types of outdoor conditions. A product that will last the test of time. Concrete is always a great solution because it is durable and more affordable. You can dress up the concrete with an exterior rug or change up the material to a tile paver. We look to this flooring vendor for a variety of looks from wood to a travertine. What a great way to create an elegant walkway to your outdoor oasis!
Something About Furniture & Fabrics
Outdoor furniture has been going through a Renaissance in the last decade. It used to be that the plastic wicker look was the only way to go. Now, steels and aluminum are becoming a new favorite because of their durability over time and have the customization option to be painted any color you want. Furniture from steadfast manufacturers like Emu create a solid foundation that can be easily styled with fun, vibrant, sophisticated cushion fabrics and coverings. Parasols also add instant flair to an outdoor space and provide shade and privacy guests expect. The selection from Tuuci is fantastic; they are extremely well-built and have a variety of finishes and fabrics to choose from.
Once the furniture is selected, it’s time to choose cushion fabrics. If you want high-performing luxury fabrics for indoor/outdoor use, Perennial fabrics are perfect. They come in many different patterns that can be paired with complementary outdoor rugs to create a cohesive look.
Something About Finishing Touches
Depending on where the hotel property is located, you’ll want to consider some game-changing details to ensure that the outdoor space is a place where everyone wants to congregate. One hotel amenity commonly overlooked is bug control. It’s not a fun topic to address, but the comfort of the client is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Citronella candles are commonly used and aesthetically pleasing, and these mosquito-repelling blankets are a lesser-known, yet effective added layer of protection. Pile them into pretty baskets so that they are discreet and don’t take away from a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
The next game-changer is having one or more fire-pits. Fire-pits come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can be used during both summer or winter, and can be run with electricity, gas, or wood. But what I really love about them is that they add a communal environment that naturally brings people together. After all, there’s nothing better than feeling cozy and connected when you are away from home.
As you can see, there are many elements that go into creating an ideal outdoor space, like colorful outdoor lighting and sculptural heat lamps. For those bonus fixtures, I recommend West Elm, Restoration Hardware and Front Gate Contract. For our latest exterior hotel project, I found that you can really fill a space with eye catching contract products from a variety of vendors that meet most hotel brand guidelines.
So take note of how you can upgrade your outdoor space — it can add so much value to your business, and it’s even more exciting to create!